History
The United Nations Yemen Observation Mission, UNYOM, was established in 1963 to observe and certify the disengagement of forces during the civil war in Yemen, in which the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia backed opposing sides. Its task was to help create and monitor a demilitarised zone along the border, and the mission was a short one, ending in September 1964.
It was among the many United Nations missions of the 1960s in which observers and specialists from contributing nations took part. The medal is awarded for the qualifying period of service. As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal follows the standard United Nations design: a circular bronze medallion 35 millimetres in diameter, the obverse bearing the emblem of the United Nations, a world map seen from the north pole within a wreath of olive branches, surmounted by the letters UN. The reverse carries the words IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE in relief. United Nations medals are issued unnamed, and the mission is identified by the colours of the ribbon.
The ribbon
Brown shading to sand yellow with UN blue edges.
The ribbon has a dark brown centre shading outwards through lighter browns to a sand yellow, with an abrupt change to United Nations blue at each edge, the browns and yellow representing the desert.
Clasps
United Nations Number 1
A silver numeral worn on the ribbon of the medal. United Nations numerals record the number of qualifying periods of service completed with the mission.
United Nations Number 2
A silver numeral recording a second qualifying period of service with the mission.
United Nations Number 3
A silver numeral recording a third qualifying period of service with the mission.
United Nations Number 4
A silver numeral recording a fourth qualifying period of service with the mission.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for service with the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission.
- The qualifying period of service with the mission, between 1963 and its close in September 1964, is required;
- The mission observed the disengagement of forces and the demilitarised zone on the Yemen border;
- As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.
Order of wear
United Nations medals are awarded by the United Nations and accepted and worn by Australians who served the mission. In the Australian Order of Wearing they are worn after Australian honours and campaign awards, among the foreign awards, in the sequence set for United Nations service, which generally follows the dates of the missions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UN Yemen Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Yemen Observation Mission, UNYOM, which observed the disengagement of forces in the Yemen civil war between 1963 and 1964.
How long did the mission last?
A little over a year, from 1963 until its close in September 1964, one of the United Nations' briefer missions.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A dark brown centre shading through lighter browns to sand yellow represents the desert, with United Nations blue at the edges.
What was the mission's task?
To observe and certify the disengagement of forces and to help monitor a demilitarised zone on the border between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
What is the qualifying period?
The qualifying period of service with the mission during its short existence.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.